Ranty Martins scored a brace as Dempo rallied from a goal down to snuff out a strong challenge from Churchill Brothers 3-1 and move to the top of the table in the ONGC National Football League.

Churchill, who dictated terms in the first-half of the match, played at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, Goa, scored through Odafe Okolie in the 24th minute.

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Dempo, disorganised in the first half, found their rhythmin the second half and scored through Martins (48th, 61st minutes) and Roberto Silva (65th).

The victory put Dempo level with Mahindra United, on 26 points from 14 matches. However, the Goan side moved to the top as they have a better goal difference (see league table).

Churchill remain in fourth place with 19 points from 14 matches.

Martins was named Man of the Match.

Churchill Brothers, after missing a couple of chances, surged ahead in 24th minute through a penalty. The penalty was awarded after defender John Dias brought down George Ekeh inside the box when the striker was in a position to score.

Okolie made no mistake in converting from the spot.

Churchill could have swelled the lead but 'keeper Satish Kumar fisted a George Ekeh header off a free-kick taken by Odafe Okolie. Earlier, Satish had charged out to prevent Ekeh from scoring.

Dempo's best chance to score was in the 10th minute but Anthony Pereira, who was unmarked inside the box, took a few steps but failed to score, shooting wide off the mark.

Dempo found the equaliser soon after resumption, in the 48th minute. Defender Valeriano Rebello sent a measured cross inside the box to Martins, whose powerful header found the far corner of the net, beating keeper Vinay Singh all ends up.

Dempo eventually took the lead in the 61st minute. Roberto Silva, who

controlled the midfield well, relayed the ball to Clifford Miranda on the left and the latter sent a goalmouth cross which Martins tapped in from close.

Roberto Silva then took advantage of a defensive lapse to increase the lead in the 65th minute, off a pass from Valeriano Rebello.

Referee Dinesh Nair showed yellow cards to Churchill Bros' Zenith Genius Mashangva, Bernardo Pires, Raju D and Dempo's John Dias.